The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-11
Literary
TEXAR'S REVENGE
BY JULES VERNE.
A Story Of the American Civil War.

would il be even if the federals withdrew their
troops.
The events of the up to this had been
follows: The confederates in order to support
/ Beaureeard, had sent six gunboats under Com
modore Hoins, who had taken up his position
on the Mississippi. between Now Madrid and
Island Ten. A struggle began, in which he was
vigorously withstood by Admiral Foote with the
! object of holding the upper river. The day that
jacksonville fell to Stevens the federal artillery
| opened against Hollinss gunboats. The ad-
vantage rested with the Northerners, who took
Island Ten and New Madrid, aud thus occupied
the course of the Mississippi for hundred and
twenty four miles, reckoning the windings of
| the stream.
| At this time much hesitation showed itself in
/ the plans of the federal government General
! Mcclellan had to submit his ideas a council
/ Of war, and, although they were approved by
the majority OF the council, President Lincoln's
| yielding to regrettable influences postponed
| their execution. The Army of the Potomac
divided so as TO assure the safety of Washing
ton. Fortunately the victory of the Monitor and
the flight of the Virginia had opened the navga-
ton of the Chesapeake and the precipitate
| treat of the confederates, after the evacuation
of Manassas, had allowed the army to go into
environments in that town. In this way the
question Of the blockade of the Potomac was
sottled.
Politics have always disastrous effect on
military affairs, and the interests OF North
now suffered severely from a decision come to
for political purposes. General Mcclellan
deprived of the command-n- chief of the federal
armies His command was reduced to that Of
the Army Of the Potomac and the other corps,
now become Independent. passed under the sole
direction of President Lincoln.
z mis- 10 NnCl ai1o ,1y fad
the afront of his undeserved dismissal But like
soldier who thought only of his duty, he re-
signed himself to his fate. The very next day
he formed plan the object of which was to
land troops on the beach of Fort Monroe. The
plan was adopted by the chiefs of the corps and
approved by the President The War Minister
sent orders to New York. Philadelphia and Bal
timore, and vessels of all kinds arrived in the
Potomac to take board General McClellans
army and its baggage. The threats which had
80 long made Washington tremble would cease,
and Richmond, the Southern capital, would
in it's turn be threatened.
Such the situation of the belligerents
when Florida submitted to General Sherman and
Commodore Dupont. At the same time that
their squadron completed the blockade of the
Floridan coast, they had become masters of the
St. Johns, and assured themselves of the COM
plete possession of the peninsula.
In vain had Gilbert and Mars explored the
banks and islands MP to Picolata. And all
that could be done was to deal with Texar. From
the day when the doors of the prison shut on
him he had no communication with his accom-
plices. And it seemed to follow that by and
Zermah would be found wherever they might
have been before the federal occupation. The
state of things at Jacksonville was now such
that justice could be safely left take its
against the Spaniard if he refused to give infor-
nation. But before proceeding to extremes it
was hoped he would make certain confessions
condition of being set at liberty
On the 14th it was decided to try what could
be done, the military authorities having pre-
viously signified their approval.
Mrs. Burbank had recovered her strength.
The>return of her son, the hope of soon seeing
her child, the peace which had settled down on
the country, and the safety guaranteed to
Candies Bay had all united in restoring 70 her
the energy she had lost. There more to
fear from the partisans OF Texar. who had ter
rorized over Jacksonville. The militia had re-
tired into the interior of Putin am county. If
later on. the st. Augustine militia. after passing
the river further up, joined hands with them in
attempting an expedition against the federals,
the peril would be distant, and need cause no
anxiety while Dupont and Sherman remained in
Florida.
1t was agreed that James and Gilbert Burbank
should go to Jacksonville this very day, and go
alone. Carol, Stannard and Mars would re-
main at the plantation; Alice could not leave
Mrs. Burbank. The young officer and his father
thought they would be back before night and
with good news. AS soon as Texar had told
them where he was keeping Dy ana Zermah,
they would about their deliverance, which
would doubtless be accomplished in few hours
or day at the outside
Just as they were going away. Alice took the
young officer apart
Colbert" she said, you are going to see a
man who has done much evil to your family.
He is a scoundrel who would have killed both
you and your father. Gilbert you must promise
me to keep your temper when you with
Texar."
Keep my temper!" exclaimed Gilbert, who
grew pale with anger at the mere mention of
the Spaniards
ut is necessary for you TO do so. You will
gain nothing by being angry. Forget all idea of
vengeance to secure the safety of your sister,
who will be mine. For that you must sac
rifice everything. You must make Texar feel
sure that he has nothing to fear in the future"
Nothing! Do you forget that owing to him !
my mother might have died, my father might |
have been shot4'
'And so might you Gilbert; you whom 1
never thought to again. Yes, be did all that. |
and we must not think of it any more. tell |
you, because l am afraid that your father will |
not control himself. and if you do not do |
you will fail. Why did you decide to go to |
Jacksonville without met might have gained |
by kindness"
'And if this refuses answer" asked |
Gilbert who felt the justice of Alice's advice.
''If he refuses you must leave the magis-
trates to compel him. He risks his life, and |
when he sees he save it by speaking. he will |
speak. Gilbert, promise me- in the name OF our |
love- promise me-"
Eyes, my dear Alice; yes Whatever he may |
have done. if he gives US back my sister, I will |
forget it,"
Good Gilbert We have passed through a |
terrible trial, which will soon be at end. For |
:. 49, 49,